Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec Reserva - Malbec Mania! Search For The Best Malbec Under $20

100% Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina.

SRP of $15 and available for as low as $9. Sample submitted for review purposes.

From the bottle:

"Terrazas de los Andes grows its grapes at the ideal altitude for each variety, allowing them to develop the maximum expression of aromas and flavours.

The grapes of Terrazas Reserva Malbec are sourced from specially selected terraces in the top quality districts of Mendoza at 1,067 metres above sea level.

Vineyard: Shallow, sand-free, permeable soils. Significant fluctuation between day and night temperature (15°C). Vines irrigated by traditional system with the Andes Mountains snowmelt.

Aging: 12 months in oak 80% French and 20% American, 30% new oak.

Colour: Deep, dark purple red.

Aroma: Extremely fruity. Black cherries, prunes and raisins are combined with vanilla, caramel and toasted notes to define a very complex nose. Hints of violets stand out, typical of Malbec.

Palate: Great body, structure and volume. Despite its concentration, its round and ripe tannins provide a soft and young character, that anticipate great ageing potential.

14.5% Alcohol"

For today's wine we travel back to Argentina, but not just anywhere in Argentina. Terrazas de Los Andes is a specialty producer using vineyards grown at high altitudes -- the side of the Andes Mountains. So just how do these high altitude grapes taste? Let's find out.

The 2009 Terrazas de Los Andes Malbec Reserva begins with aromas of plum, black currant, violet, and a little vanilla. The wine tastes of lots of dark ripe fruit and lots of oak. This one needs time to open and for all the oak to soften but when it does it is pretty good. Some mild tannins come into play on the fruity finish and it resolves into lingering caramel notes. Nice.

See a listing of local retailers selling this wine here.